Meet the Team

Engage Pilates was born from a true passion and love of Pilates, and our desire to share that passion with our community. The practice of Pilates is for everyBODY and all are welcome in our space. We invite you to come and experience movement with us that is accessible to all levels, helps strengthen your core , increase flexibility, improve posture, and prevent injury.

FOUNDER/OWNER

Cindy

With over 20 years of experience as a labor and delivery nurse, I bring deep knowledge, compassion, and a holistic understanding of the body to every Pilates session. After two decades of supporting women through some of life’s most transformative moments, I transitioned into Pilates with a mission to continue empowering others—this time through mindful movement.

I received my comprehensive Pilates training through The Lab in Chicago under the expert guidance of Jacqueline Brennan and Holly Swanson. This strong foundation has shaped my thoughtful, anatomy-informed approach to teaching.

As a long-time resident of the neighborhood, I am proud to be part of the local community and am passionate about creating a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels supported.  Today, I combine my medical expertise with the transformative power of Pilates to help women feel strong, confident and connected to their bodies- whether they’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or the changes of menopause.  I love helping women reclaim their strength, energy and confidence through Pilates- because your body deserves care and attention, no matter where you are in your journey.

  • When not in the studio, planning my next travel adventure with my family is my favorite pastime—especially to warm destinations with beautiful beaches!  And I recently discovered a new obsession with pickleball.

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Sage

My journey with Pilates began in my youth and deepened during my time at Cornish College of the Arts, where I earned a BFA in Dance. My passion for anatomy and the mechanics of movement naturally drew me to Pilates as a way to explore and understand the body on a deeper level.

I received my first mat certification while at Cornish, and later completed a 500-hour comprehensive teacher training through The Lab Pilates Training under the mentorship of Jacquelyn Brennen and Holly Swanson in Fall 2021. 

My teaching style emphasizes postural alignment and movement quality to help clients address chronic discomfort and prevent injury. I enjoy working closely with physical therapists and fellow movement professionals, integrating their insights to continually evolve my practice. Whether addressing specific physical challenges or simply improving body awareness, I strive to bring curiosity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to every session.

  • I love mushrooms! I belong to a mycology group that meets to learn about, look for, and identify mushrooms in the Chicagoland area.

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Liza

Growing up as a dancer and gymnast, movement has always been at the core of my life. While attending Columbia College in Chicago, I set dance aside to focus on school but stayed connected to movement through Pilates. My sister introduced me to mat Pilates during college, and we took classes together. Years later, I discovered Pilates equipment and was instantly hooked! That passion eventually led me to pursue certifications in both Aerial Fitness and Pilates.

I completed my training at The Lab in Chicago under the guidance of Holly Swanson and Jacqueline Brennan. What I love most about Pilates is its ability to be both effective and safe for people of all ages and abilities. Teaching brings me so much joy—I’m inspired every day by watching clients progress and achieve their goals.

  • In my free time, you’ll find me hanging out with my cats, watching scary movies, or soaking up the summer sun. Chicago summers are short, so I make the most of every warm day!

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Michelle

As a former highly mediocre rhythmic gymnast, I started practicing Pilates twelve years ago on the recommendation of my physical therapist after rehabbing two herniated discs in my neck. I love how the focus of breath work, core strength, spinal mechanics and postural awareness carries over to my daily life- from how to avoid bad habits when sitting at a computer or driving a car, to helping keep up with my college-aged sons on a mountain bike or skis.

I decided I wanted to share all of the positive benefits Pilates has brought to my overall well-being and enrolled in a comprehensive Pilates teacher training program at The Lab Pilates in Chicago under Jacqueline Brennan and Holly Swanson. Teaching Pilates allows me to connect with clients of all ages and create movement, balance and strength challenges for students with a wide variety of wellness and fitness goals.

  • When I am not teaching, my favorite things to do are downhill skiing, mountain biking and making Italian-inspired apertivo cocktails.

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Amanda

I am a passionate movement educator who began my journey as a dancer at a young age.  I pursued my love for movement further by earning aBS in Exercise Physiology, where I deepened my understanding of biomechanics and human movement.  After gaining experience as a Personal Trainer and Spin Instructor, I discovered Pilates in 2011, a discipline I quickly fell in love with.  In 2012, I earned my full STOTT Pilates Certification.

I believe Pilates offers the perfect blend of logical, functional movements that safely strengthen both the body and mind.  With over a decade of experience, I am dedicated to help others achieve a deeper connection to their bodies and unlock their full movement potential.

  • In my free time I love keeping busy painting with watercolors, crocheting/knitting, biking, cooking and spending lots time at the beach with my family!

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Marjorie

Over 10 years ago, Pilates was what started it all for me!  Pilates allowed me to safely explore my own anatomy and strengthen in an effective and sustainable way alongside my dance practice.  As a Movement Practitioner, my deeper purpose is to help others unlock their inner worlds through moving their bodies in space, and to create a stepping stone for lifelong functional movement.  Now, having just moved back to the US from Scotland,  with over 300 hours of teaching experience and five certifications in Pilates, Barre, Yoga and Education, I am a confident practitioner in my comprehensive knowledge of various movement methods, human anatomy and serving the unique needs of various populations.

  • In my free time, I am currently studying to become a Somatic Movement Therapist through the Tamalpa Life Art Institute which will unite my many passions which include the arts, dance and writing.

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Dorothy

While training for my third marathon, I discovered I had a labral tear in my hip joint. The recovery process was what led me to find Pilates, and it quickly became my sanctuary. Pilates allowed me to release the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with my body. 

I left my corporate career of 12 years to take a leap of faith and completed the Lab Pilates Teacher Training comprehensive 500 hour course. The experience has been transformative, and I am passionate about sharing Pilates with others. I truly believe Pilates is for all bodies, at any age, and am grateful to teach and spread the joy it brings me every day. 

  • In my free time, you’ll find me taking group classes of all kinds, going for long walks, watching new fun movies/shows, and listening to all types of music.

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Suzi

Pilates has gently guided me to understand my pain and where it comes from, to get curious about my body—even relearning things I thought I already knew—and to meet myself fully, just as I am, each day. I hope to help others feel that same connection in a way that works for them.

To me, Pilates isn’t just about movement—it’s about presence. It’s about noticing where you are and meeting yourself there—mind, body, and soul. Showing up for yourself takes real courage, and listening takes real patience. It’s such a joy to support others who are willing to do that work for themselves. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in art, and a background that includes time in both surgical suites and behavioral therapy sessions. That experience shapes how I teach—focusing on the connection between mind and body, and approaching movement with care and intention. I completed my comprehensive training through The Lab Pilates Teacher Training in Chicago, which gave me a strong foundation for sharing this work with others, and I am constantly learning to expand my knowledge.

  • When I’m not teaching, I’m usually moving in some way (pilates, running, lifting—the list goes on), breathing fresh air, listening to music, enjoying good company, and catching a vibe.